Places to Visit Around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, culture, and beauty. It’s the capital of Scotland and the second largest city in the country, with a population of nearly 500,000. This ancient city has been a major center of power and influence in Scotland for centuries and is full of interesting and iconic places to visit. From its majestic castle to its famous architecture and museums, there’s no shortage of things to do while visiting Edinburgh.

A Brief History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s beginnings can be traced back to the Iron Age, when it was a hill fort controlled by the Celtic people known as the Votadini. The city was later occupied by the Romans in the second century AD, before being abandoned during the fifth century. It was during this time that Edinburgh began to become an important center for trade and commerce, with a thriving port and a strong economy.

In the 11th century, King Malcolm III made Edinburgh his capital and it quickly became a major hub for politics and culture in Scotland. The city was transformed by the addition of several impressive buildings, such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. In the 15th century, Edinburgh began to flourish as an intellectual and cultural center, with the founding of its famous university in 1583.

The city continued to develop and prosper throughout the 18th century, with the construction of grand buildings such as Charlotte Square and the Royal Mile. During this time, Edinburgh became known as the “Athens of the North” due to its impressive architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant intellectual life.

Today, Edinburgh is a thriving city with a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums and galleries, and a wide range of attractions geared towards tourists. From its picturesque streets to its lively festivals and events, this beautiful city is sure to delight visitors from all walks of life.

Popular Attractions

Edinburgh is home to a wide range of popular attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is an iconic landmark in the city, perched atop an extinct volcano overlooking the city below. The castle has been home to Scottish royalty for centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction, with guided tours available throughout the day. Highlights include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall, and spectacular views of the city.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of the most famous streets in Edinburgh, stretching from the castle to Holyrood Palace. This cobblestoned thoroughfare features a number of attractions, including St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, and The Grassmarket. The Royal Mile is also home to numerous shops, pubs, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore and soak up some of Edinburgh’s unique atmosphere.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, offering spectacular views over the city from its 823-foot peak. The summit can be reached via a series of paths winding their way up the hillside, and along the way there are plenty of spots for picnics and photo opportunities.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a sprawling royal park located at the base of Arthur’s Seat. The park covers nearly 1,000 acres and features numerous trails winding their way through its rugged terrain. Visitors can also explore ancient ruins, such as St Anthony’s Chapel, as well as numerous lochs and reservoirs.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s premier attractions, showcasing art and artifacts from around the world. Highlights include artifacts from ancient Egypt, displays on Scottish history and culture, interactive science exhibits, and an impressive natural history collection.

Popular Tours

As well as exploring Edinburgh independently, there are a number of popular tours available for visitors to enjoy. Here are two popular tours around Edinburgh that guests may want to consider:

Edinburgh Castle Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Tour is an interactive tour run by knowledgeable guides that takes visitors through the history and architecture of Edinburgh Castle. Guests will learn about the castle’s fascinating past as they explore its great hall and stunning grounds. They’ll also get an up-close look at some of Scotland’s most iconic artifacts housed within its walls, such as the Stone of Destiny and the Crown Jewels. This tour is available for booking here.

Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town Walking Tour takes visitors on a stroll through Edinburgh’s historic cobblestoned streets. Along the way they’ll uncover stories about its fascinating past as they explore sights such as St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House. This tour is available for booking here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a vibrant city with plenty to explore for visitors of all ages. From its iconic castle to its lively festivals and events, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s exploring its vibrant streets or learning about its fascinating history on one of its many tours, visitors can be sure to have an unforgettable experience when visiting this wonderful city.